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Romanian company IAR has been selected as the prime contractor for Airbus Helicopters’ H215M multi-role helicopter for future orders placed by the Romanian Ministry of Defense.

The companies have extended the five-year agreement by ten more years to show their long-term joint commitment to the modernisation of the Romanian armed forces’ fleet of multi-role helicopters.

Airbus Helicopters senior vice-president and Europe region head Olivier Michalon said: “This 15-year agreement puts IAR and Airbus Helicopters in the best position to meet the future needs of the Romanian Armed Forces.

“Each major Airbus business unit contributes directly to the strengthening of the European defence industrial base.

“Today Airbus already accounts for over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in Romania through its divisions Helicopters and Defence and Space, Commercial Airplanes with Premium Aerotec, as well as industrial partners like Aerostar, Turbomecanica, Aeroteh, and Aerofina, making the company the largest aerospace investor in the country.”

As per the agreed terms, Airbus Helicopters and IAR will also collaborate on the production, assembly, customisation, support and maintenance of the H215M helicopters destined for the Romanian Armed Forces and export if opportunities arise.

"This 15-year agreement puts IAR and Airbus Helicopters in the best position to meet the future needs of the Romanian Armed Forces."

Airbus Helicopters Industries’ 10,000m² factory in Brasov, which was inaugurated last year, will produce H215 in Romania.

Equipped with a full glass cockpit and modern avionics, the H215M rotorcraft belongs to Airbus Helicopters’ Cougar/Super Puma family.